#Reformed #Christian #grownostr
Rule by the plurality of elders is not merely descriptive of Pauls' day--it is prescriptive for all days.
Discussion
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Somewhat of an intramural debate amongst Christians regarding "polity" - i.e., how the church is to be governed/organized. I mean that when Paul wrote "see that elders are appointed" in the churches, it was not merely describing what happened then, it also prescribes what ought to happen today (and until Christ returns).
And "rule" is one of all too many bad choices of English words in NT translations:
https://peakd.com/conspiracy/@creatr/political-power-and-the-connotation-conspiracy
I think the word "rule" is fine provided it's shaped by Christ's command to be servant-leaders, and not the kind who "lord it over" the people. It's similar to the "rule" granted to a man for the sake of his household (lead, protect, provide), or to an under-shepherd granted by the Chief Shepherd. But there is true authority there...elders will "give an account," we have responsibility, and with that responsibility comes a certain kind of ministerial authority. 🤙🏻
It's the aggregate weight of all the misleading English connotations that's derailed the ecclesia from its mission.
'Rule' is just one instance of many, and the very fact that you have to jump through hoops to explain how to "do it right" ought to speak for itself.😁
BTW, "authority" is another such sorely abused translation.😜
How would you translate a word like [hypotasso](https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g5293/kjv/tr/0-1/) in Ephesians 5:22?
That and several others are commented on in this article:
https://peakd.com/conspiracy/@creatr/political-power-and-the-connotation-conspiracy
"Align with" would probably be my first choice; "submission" is not totally terrible, as long as it's mutual and absolutely not conflated or confused with "obey."
Got it. I am of a different flavor. "Submission begins where agreement ends," in which case, it's no different than obedience. 🤙🏼
I pray that you are prepared to disobey or even depart, should that become necessary? (Acts 5:29)
That should be obvious...but yes: "God alone is Lord of the conscience." That doesn't mean he hasn't set up a true government for his church--albeit with a "declarative and ministerial" power only. The keys of the kingdom are real.
For some context, here is the perspective I'm coming from: OPC Book of Church Order, III: [The Nature and Exercise of Church Power](https://opc.org/BCO/FG.html#Chapter_III).
sorry, "Form of Government," III
Thanks for that context.🙏😁💜🫂😆
I'm mostly aligned with point one there, a "priesthood of all believers" guy.
Merely human writings (especially mine!) are a mixed bag; of some value as summaries, but never to be preferred to Scripture.
The model I see in Scripture is congregational, cooperative (but 100% decentralized apart from King Jesus himself), non-hierarchical, 100% voluntary (within a covenant community, i.e. a non-coercive membership organization).
So my perspective is far from Presbyterian (although I'm part of a congregation with strong Presbyterian leanings).😆